A Discovery Bible Study (DBS) is a discipleship study which enables people to read the Bible and discover what it has to say to them. Simple, memorable questions allow participants to understand the character of God, encourage them to obey what they are learning and help them to share it with others.

Discovery Bible Studies work best in small groups of between four and eight people - preferably people who already know each other. You can use a paper bible, photocopied sheets or the Discover App to run the study. The Discovery Bible Study Method is a highly effective discipleship tool and the Discover App is a Discipleship App.

Discovery Bible Studies normally start with a review of the previous session's actions (unless it is the first study). After this, we read the scripture passage for the current study, usually several times and then ask people to retell the story in their own words. Once people are happy with the story we ask the following questions:

• What does this story tell me about God?
• What does this story tell me about people (or myself)?
• If this is God's word for my life how will I obey it?
• Who am I going to tell?

We normally conclude each session by sharing what has made us happy and what we are struggling with. These questions promote an understanding of authority of scripture, as well as encouraging practical discipleship and evangelism.

It all seems pretty simple, right? So what is so good about DBS and why does it work?

• DBS works because it is so simple. The structure is easy to teach, easy to remember and easy to replicate. That means that anyone can run a DBS with anybody, anywhere.
• Despite their simplicity, the Discovery Bible Study questions are very powerful and people often come up with profound discoveries from the stories
• The last two questions teach people from the start of the need to obey God's word, and the need to share it with others. Disciples who obey God's word and share it are more likely to make disciples of others.

Jesus called a small group of people (his disciples) to follow him, and equipped them to share the good news of the Kingdom of God with others. Discipleship is not just learning about Jesus. It also requires us to obey him, share the message with others and enable them to also become his disciples. Discipleship is similar to training or apprenticeship and the results of it affect every area of our lives.

To learn more about the Discover App or the Discovery Bible Study method, visit https://discoverapp.org.